Wobbly bun

[TheBuns]

Hello I’m back it’s been a while that I’ve been on here! I need help my bun has an appointment Tuesday this is what was available the head tilt started on new yrs eve i noticed one of his eyes looked smaller/hooded. He also has dandruff which I’m thinking is mites because he constantly scratches. Before this I took him to the vet previously maybe two months ago for a lop sided face that he had the doctor(he was unsure what it was) prescribed him antibiotics. The antibiotics looked liked it helped his face went back to normal but still shaped a little lopsided…but today this morning he was wobbly when running towards me for treats what could it be ? Has anyone ever experienced this first it was is a lopsided face then seemed to get better but now It’s a tilted head while being wobbly he is still eating and drinking fine he just looks off

 

[Blue eyes]

Jenny may have more detailed info for you, but in the meantime, finding the cause will be key to treatment. There are multiple reasons a rabbit can get head tilt (the wobblyness is likely from that initial issue).

"A bacterial infection of the inner ear that affect’s bunny’s sense of balance is a common cause. Other causes include a parasitic disease in the brain or a stroke. No matter what the cause, a veterinary exam is needed to diagnose the cause and determine a treatment." (from House Rabbit Society)

 

[JBun]

A lop sided face, along with the head tilt, is an indication of a likely inner/middle ear infection. The infection puts pressure on the facial nerve, causing paralysis and one side of the face to droop. The antibiotics was the right treatment, but should have been given for an extended treatment period until the symptoms resolved (plus at least 2 weeks beyond), along with the anti inflammatory meloxicam (0.3-0.6mg/kg, 2x a day, dose recommended for rabbits). Typically 4-6 weeks minimum is needed, but this will depend on the antibiotic used and the type of bacteria present.

Medirabbit: ear infection clinical signs and treatment

At this point, with the infection worsening, more 'heavy duty' antibiotics may be needed, like pen g procaine/benzathine injections or azithromycin. Azithromycin can be an extremely effective antibiotic for ear infections when dosed correctly for rabbits (50mg/kg), though this also will depend if the bacteria involved is sensitive to it. It does work quickly (2-3 days to see significant improvement I found) and penetrates tissue and bone well, but some rabbits can have a very negative reaction to it causing severe digestive problems, so it can't always be used.

Scans or xrays are also helpful, to determine the exact nature of the infection, and if it's dental related. If it is dental related, at some point that will need to be dealt with as well, with possible tooth removal needed. This can be a long difficult illness and treatment to deal with, so be prepared.

I would suggest reading some of the references in these articles as well, as they contain a lot of helpful information. There's also a fb page called 'headtilt for hoppers' , I believe, with members that will have valuable information and insight to share based on their own experiences.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Otitis
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Head_tilt
Treatment for ear infections usually needs to be aggressive, as they can be very difficult to treat and can spread if the infection isn't brought under control. If your vet isn't a knowledgeable rabbit vet, I would suggest finding the best rabbit vet you can, to take your rabbit to for treatment. I would direct you to the HRS rabbit vet list, but they've revamped their site and I can't seem to find the list now. So you may have to do some research if you're needing to find a better rabbit vet to go to.

https://rabbit.org/veterinarians/
There are a few other less common causes like a stroke, or a tumor, but an ear infection would be most likely. And seems likely based on the improvement you saw with the first antibiotic treatment.

The flaky skin could be mites, but is secondary and will need the necessary antiparasitic when the vet determines it's appropriate.

 

[TheBuns]

A lop sided face, along with the head tilt, is an indication of a likely inner/middle ear infection. The infection puts pressure on the facial nerve, causing paralysis and one side of the face to droop. The antibiotics was the right treatment, but should have been given for an extended treatment period until the symptoms resolved (plus at least 2 weeks beyond), along with the anti inflammatory meloxicam (0.3-0.6mg/kg, 2x a day, dose recommended for rabbits). Typically 4-6 weeks minimum is needed, but this will depend on the antibiotic used and the type of bacteria present.

Medirabbit: ear infection clinical signs and treatment

At this point, with the infection worsening, more 'heavy duty' antibiotics may be needed, like pen g procaine/benzathine injections or azithromycin. Azithromycin can be an extremely effective antibiotic for ear infections when dosed correctly for rabbits (50mg/kg), though this also will depend if the bacteria involved is sensitive to it. It does work quickly (2-3 days to see significant improvement I found) and penetrates tissue and bone well, but some rabbits can have a very negative reaction to it causing severe digestive problems, so it can't always be used.

Scans or xrays are also helpful, to determine the exact nature of the infection, and if it's dental related. If it is dental related, at some point that will need to be dealt with as well, with possible tooth removal needed. This can be a long difficult illness and treatment to deal with, so be prepared.

I would suggest reading some of the references in these articles as well, as they contain a lot of helpful information. There's also a fb page called 'headtilt for hoppers' , I believe, with members that will have valuable information and insight to share based on their own experiences.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Otitis
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Head_tilt
Treatment for ear infections usually needs to be aggressive, as they can be very difficult to treat and can spread if the infection isn't brought under control. If your vet isn't a knowledgeable rabbit vet, I would suggest finding the best rabbit vet you can, to take your rabbit to for treatment. I would direct you to the HRS rabbit vet list, but they've revamped their site and I can't seem to find the list now. So you may have to do some research if you're needing to find a better rabbit vet to go to.

https://rabbit.org/veterinarians/
There are a few other less common causes like a stroke, or a tumor, but an ear infection would be most likely. And seems likely based on the improvement you saw with the first antibiotic treatment.

The flaky skin could be mites, but is secondary and will need the necessary antiparasitic when the vet determines it's appropriate.

Thank you for the information its very helpful it gives me some idea of what it could be. Are X-rays the best way to diagnosis this? Would taking blood test be necessary? He has an appointment Tuesday it was the only day available I’m worried that he will get worse…

 

[JBun]

Xrays are usually the cheaper more readily available option, to try and get a look at the infection internally. A CT scan would be ideal, but is usually much more expensive.

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging—Computed Tomography Scanning in Rabbits

A blood test can show if there's an active infection, just not where it is or where it's spread. Blood tests can also help determine if kidney and liver function is ok. But if you're having xrays done, a blood test may not be needed, unless your vet needs to check your rabbits kidney and liver function, to ensure certain medication is safe.

Because your rabbit was previously in for this exact issue, you may be able to phone your vet for a temporary prescription refill of the previous antibiotic and some meloxicam. I would state your concerns about the severity of your rabbits condition and the hazard of having to wait 3 days for an appointment without any treatment for a likely infection.

But if you are concerned Tuesday is too long to wait, I'd suggest trying to get an emergency appointment today with your vet, or try and find another very experienced rabbit vet that you can get into today. Waiting until Tuesday may be fine or it might not, you just don't know.

 

[TheBuns]

@JBun
My bun went to vet yesterday they are saying that he has an inner ear infection :/ they prescribed him antibiotics but said to give a scoop of yogurt as probiotics..I thought rabbits weren’t supposed to have dairy? I not going to give dairy

 

[JBun]

I wouldn't be inclined to give yogurt as I don't know if it might result in digestive upset, though I'm not sure if a plain unsweetened yogurt would be harmful in small amounts. According to medirabbit, small amounts may not be harmful. But even then, there's always the possibility of any rabbit reacting negatively to a food it's not used to, particularly dairy.

Medirabbit: safety of dairy and yogurt

If you want to give probiotics, I've given benebac plus to my rabbits. Or there's equa holistics that's specifically marketed for rabbits, but not one I've ever used so don't know much about it. I can't say if probiotics actually help or not. An old study with baby rabbits, seemed to show some positive effect to protecting their digestion. So maybe it can help a little, but at least there's no indication probiotics cause any problems usually. If you do give them, it's best not to give at the same time as the antibiotic. I'd wait a couple hours after the antibiotic dose, before giving the probiotics.

Medirabbit: probiotics

Is this a knowledgeable rabbit vet that you saw? Can you tell me what antibiotic was prescribed? If this isn't a knowledgeable and recommended rabbit vet, please make sure the antibiotic is rabbit safe before giving any. Some antibiotics can be fatal to rabbits, and there have been instances of inexperienced vets prescribing a dangerous antibiotic for rabbits.

Medirabbit: antibiotics dangerous for rabbits

Medirabbit: safe antibiotics

 

[TheBuns]

I wouldn't be inclined to give yogurt as I don't know if it might result in digestive upset, though I'm not sure if a plain unsweetened yogurt would be harmful in small amounts. According to medirabbit, small amounts may not be harmful. But even then, there's always the possibility of any rabbit reacting negatively to a food it's not used to, particularly dairy.

Medirabbit: safety of dairy and yogurt

If you want to give probiotics, I've given benebac plus to my rabbits. Or there's equa holistics that's specifically marketed for rabbits, but not one I've ever used so don't know much about it. I can't say if probiotics actually help or not. An old study with baby rabbits, seemed to show some positive effect to protecting their digestion. So maybe it can help a little, but at least there's no indication probiotics cause any problems usually. If you do give them, it's best not to give at the same time as the antibiotic. I'd wait a couple hours after the antibiotic dose, before giving the probiotics.

Medirabbit: probiotics

Is this a knowledgeable rabbit vet that you saw? Can you tell me what antibiotic was prescribed? If this isn't a knowledgeable and recommended rabbit vet, please make sure the antibiotic is rabbit safe before giving any. Some antibiotics can be fatal to rabbits, and there have been instances of inexperienced vets prescribing a dangerous antibiotic for rabbits.

Medirabbit: antibiotics dangerous for rabbits

Medirabbit: safe antibiotics

I didn’t give my bun yogurt, but I did give him the bene bac plus I smushed it up with bananas but he didn’t eat it all he’s a picky eater. The antibiotics prescribed by the vet is called baytril they said to give him 0.5 mL every 12 hours for the next 10 days and do they follow up.

 

[TheBuns]

I didn’t give my bun yogurt, but I did give him the bene bac plus I smushed it up with bananas but he didn’t eat it all he’s a picky eater. The antibiotics prescribed by the vet is called baytril they said to give him 0.5 mL every 12 hours for the next 10 days and do they follow up.

Then do a follow up *^ typos lol

 

[JBun]

That sounds good. Keep in mind though, that baytril may not prove very effective. So if you aren't seeing any improvement in your rabbit after a week, or his symptoms worsen, I would suggest talking to your vet about changing antibiotics.

 

[TheBuns]

Hello a while ago I posted here saying I had a “wobbly bun.” His head is still tilted the same it doesn’t look like it got worse though he seems a little happier, although he still has a lot of dandruff and shakes his head a lot like there’s something in his ear and has eye boogies. He has an appointment again this Tuesday for a follow up. He ran out of his antibiotics a day ago I’m worried that might affect him:/ will prescribing him more antibiotics make his head go away? Also they never did any x-rays or bloodwork. They just said they think it is an inner ear infection. When I asked if we can do an x-ray on him the assistant said that an x-ray will not do anything that you cannot see if there is something going on in there. I also asked if we can do the bloodwork I don’t remember what she said about it, but they didn’t do any blood work either…

 

[TheBuns]

Hello a while ago I posted here saying I had a “wobbly bun.” His head is still tilted the same it doesn’t look like it got worse though he seems a little happier, although he still has a lot of dandruff and shakes his head a lot like there’s something in his ear and has eye boogies. He has an appointment again this Tuesday for a follow up. He ran out of his antibiotics a day ago I’m worried that might affect him:/ will prescribing him more antibiotics make his head go away? Also they never did any x-rays or bloodwork. They just said they think it is an inner ear infection. When I asked if we can do an x-ray on him the assistant said that an x-ray will not do anything that you cannot see if there is something going on in there. I also asked if we can do the bloodwork I don’t remember what she said about it, but they didn’t do any blood work either…

Sorry if I have a lot of typos

 

[JBun]

I've merged this thread with your previous one, as it's easier and best, to keep the same topic all in one thread with all the relevant info and back story.

2 weeks on an antibiotic isn't long enough. As I said previously, it usually takes 4-6 weeks minimum. And if you aren't seeing improvement or hardly any on this current antibiotic, it can mean the bacteria isn't sensitive to it and the antibiotic needs to be changed.

Your rabbit may also have mites if you're seeing dandruff. Your vet should have diagnosed and treated that as well, with Ivermectin or Revolution/Revolt (selamectin).

Yes, xrays can tell something. They can tell if the infection originates in the teeth and spread to the ear. Which if there is a dental infection, would also need to be treated for your rabbit to get better. If there is white discharge coming from the eye, this can be an indication of possible dental involvement as well. But if your vet isn't all that experienced with rabbits, which is what it's sounding like, xrays may not be worth the extra expense since this vet may not be able to interpret them as needed. A blood test wouldn't probably be that helpful here.

Your vet isn't sound particularly knowledgeable about rabbits. If possible, I would suggest trying to find a more experienced rabbit vet for a second opinion. It could be the difference between your rabbit actually getting better or continuing to get worse. But if this is the only vet you can go to, just do the best you can. I would definitely be asking for more antibiotics, possibly a different one if you aren't really seeing improvement; antibiotic eye drops if your rabbit has sticky white eye discharge; treatment for mites if your rabbit has them, which dandruff would indicate your rabbit probably does (preferably the spot on topical Revolution/Revolt); and if the vet didn't prescribe the anti inflammatory meloxicam, I'd want that as well.

https://rabbit.org/care/rabbit-vets-near-me/
Ear infections are very difficult to treat in rabbits, and require a more aggressive long term treatment usually, and a vet that approaches it this way. It's not a 2 week treatment and done. This is a month minimum, possibly and usually longer. And you want a vet that understands this and the seriousness of a rabbit having an ear infection. Any owner that's experienced a head tilt rabbit can tell you how serious this is.

 

[Jenny Durling]

Did you have your rabbit tested for Encephalitozoon cuniculi ? I've had 2 rabbits with this and both had symptoms similar to what you are describing. WIth the first rabbit, I had no idea what I as dealing with so he had some permanent issues. When our second rabbit looked like she was having balance issues, I immediately took her for test and I was right that it was the same thing. She completely recovered!

 

[TheBuns]

I've merged this thread with your previous one, as it's easier and best, to keep the same topic all in one thread with all the relevant info and back story.

2 weeks on an antibiotic isn't long enough. As I said previously, it usually takes 4-6 weeks minimum. And if you aren't seeing improvement or hardly any on this current antibiotic, it can mean the bacteria isn't sensitive to it and the antibiotic needs to be changed.

Your rabbit may also have mites if you're seeing dandruff. Your vet should have diagnosed and treated that as well, with Ivermectin or Revolution/Revolt (selamectin).

Yes, xrays can tell something. They can tell if the infection originates in the teeth and spread to the ear. Which if there is a dental infection, would also need to be treated for your rabbit to get better. If there is white discharge coming from the eye, this can be an indication of possible dental involvement as well. But if your vet isn't all that experienced with rabbits, which is what it's sounding like, xrays may not be worth the extra expense since this vet may not be able to interpret them as needed. A blood test wouldn't probably be that helpful here.

Your vet isn't sound particularly knowledgeable about rabbits. If possible, I would suggest trying to find a more experienced rabbit vet for a second opinion. It could be the difference between your rabbit actually getting better or continuing to get worse. But if this is the only vet you can go to, just do the best you can. I would definitely be asking for more antibiotics, possibly a different one if you aren't really seeing improvement; antibiotic eye drops if your rabbit has sticky white eye discharge; treatment for mites if your rabbit has them, which dandruff would indicate your rabbit probably does (preferably the spot on topical Revolution/Revolt); and if the vet didn't prescribe the anti inflammatory meloxicam, I'd want that as well.

https://rabbit.org/care/rabbit-vets-near-me/
Ear infections are very difficult to treat in rabbits, and require a more aggressive long term treatment usually, and a vet that approaches it this way. It's not a 2 week treatment and done. This is a month minimum, possibly and usually longer. And you want a vet that understands this and the seriousness of a rabbit having an ear infection. Any owner that's experienced a head tilt rabbit can tell you how serious this is.

Thank you for merging the thread for me and I just got back from the vet they prescribed my bun metacam and panacur. I told them the antibiotics seemed like it work but I felt like he stayed the same but didn’t get any worse. They still didn’t do X-rays or blood work. They’re using trial and error. :\ it’s frustrating and it’s wasting time I don’t feel like they are trying especially his assistant she’s a little rude . The dr recommend we go to a specialist if these medication don’t work. He is the only vet in town besides another one that with everyone’s reviews being terrible and saying they are a scam. They are going to give me a list of specialists but I don’t think there in town. I also ask if the panacur is a different type on antibiotic he said it’s no it’s for parasites. It’s only for 4days once every 24hrs and the metacam for 3 days once every 24hrs.

 

[TheBuns]

Did you have your rabbit tested for Encephalitozoon cuniculi ? I've had 2 rabbits with this and both had symptoms similar to what you are describing. WIth the first rabbit, I had no idea what I as dealing with so he had some permanent issues. When our second rabbit looked like she was having balance issues, I immediately took her for test and I was right that it was the same thing. She completely recovered

Hello and no they never tested him for anything they are using trial and error! It’s frustrating but the did give me panacur which I believe is for e.cuniculi and did your buns also have a lot of dandruff? They’re thinking it’s from the mite

 

[JBun]

Is there any sign of irritated or crusty skin in the ears? Did the vet look in the ears? Or is the dandruff just on the body and is there any fur loss? By any chance has your rabbit been around cats or cat feces at all?

Panacur would be for treating the possibility this is caused by the parasite e. cuniculi, which can have similar symptoms to an ear infection. But the treatment is far longer than what your vet gave, usually 28 days minimum. 3 days on panacur is pretty useless for EC. But even then, sometimes panacur won't always be effective. EC can be difficult to treat. But most good rabbit vets at least attempt panacur treatment, a rabbit safe antibiotic, and meloxicam for at least a month, when it's not known if an ear infection or EC is the cause of the loss of balance or head tilt.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbits-and-e-cuniculi-encephalitozoon-cuniculi/
www.disabledrabbits.com/head-tilt.html

The meloxicam should help some, provided a sufficient enough dose was prescribed (0.3-0.6mg/kg 2x/day). Inexperienced vets tend to give too low of a dose for rabbits that need a much higher dose than is used for other animals. If the right dose was prescribed, it will only prove helpful as long as it continues to be given. I would certainly want to continue giving it more than 3 days.

https://www.vgr1.com/metacam/
If it's at all possible for you to take your rabbit to the specialist, if they're a knowledgeable rabbit vet, that would be my recommendation. My opinion is that continuing with this vet is going to leave your rabbit not getting the needed and proper treatment, which may put your rabbit at risk of the condition worsening. Plus is essentially wasting your time and money. You keep going back and very little progress if any, is being made by what this vet is doing. Seeing a good rabbit vet means your rabbit is more likely to get the correct diagnosis and treatment to begin with. At least this has been my own experience and is my hope.

 

[TheBuns]

Is there any sign of irritated or crusty skin in the ears? Did the vet look in the ears? Or is the dandruff just on the body and is there any fur loss? By any chance has your rabbit been around cats or cat feces at all?

Panacur would be for treating the possibility this is caused by the parasite e. cuniculi, which can have similar symptoms to an ear infection. But the treatment is far longer than what your vet gave, usually 28 days minimum. 3 days on panacur is pretty useless for EC. But even then, sometimes panacur won't always be effective. EC can be difficult to treat. But most good rabbit vets at least attempt panacur treatment, a rabbit safe antibiotic, and meloxicam for at least a month, when it's not known if an ear infection or EC is the cause of the loss of balance or head tilt.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbits-and-e-cuniculi-encephalitozoon-cuniculi/
www.disabledrabbits.com/head-tilt.html

The meloxicam should help some, provided a sufficient enough dose was prescribed (0.3-0.6mg/kg 2x/day). Inexperienced vets tend to give too low of a dose for rabbits that need a much higher dose than is used for other animals. If the right dose was prescribed, it will only prove helpful as long as it continues to be given. I would certainly want to continue giving it more than 3 days.

https://www.vgr1.com/metacam/
If it's at all possible for you to take your rabbit to the specialist, if they're a knowledgeable rabbit vet, that would be my recommendation. My opinion is that continuing with this vet is going to leave your rabbit not getting the needed and proper treatment, which may put your rabbit at risk of the condition worsening. Plus is essentially wasting your time and money. You keep going back and very little progress if any, is being made by what this vet is doing. Seeing a good rabbit vet means your rabbit is more likely to get the correct diagnosis and treatment to begin with. At least this has been my own experience and is my hope.

Hello sorryy! Late response! But yes, he does have crustys around this ears not a lot but also has crustys inside his ear. I mentioned this to the vet assistant. She swabbed it with an qtip and seen it and she said “oh it’s just earwax” she never mentioned this to the doctor. If I remember correctly, rabbits are clean animals and there shouldn’t be anything in their ears???
And I have been looking for a vet specialist. There are only 2 vets in town that see rabbits the one I’m going to and the other that have very bad reviews. There is a third vet in town but it is close temporarily for some reason. He still has some panacur and metacam I will continue to give him it until I am able to find rabbit vet specialist. but as of right now he looks happy he is eating and drinking the tilting head has not gotten any worse it stayed the same since the antibiotics from the last visit.

 

[Tinytailsrabbits]

Hello and no they never tested him for anything they are using trial and error! It’s frustrating but the did give me panacur which I believe is for e.cuniculi and did your buns also have a lot of dandruff? They’re thinking it’s from the mite

Check to see if the dandruff is moving. There is a mite called ”walking dandruff” I got a bunny who had it. You can also check for eggs.

 

[JBun]

If it's crusty or is darker ear wax you're seeing, it could be he also has ear mites, and that's contributing to the unsteadiness and difficulty improving.

Medirabbit: ear mites